While Middlesbrough are one of the favourites for promotion this season, their manager Aitor Karanka could still utilise the free agent market to add to his squad.

While the January window is almost upon us, managers in the Football League will be thinking about where they want to improve their sides, and their are still some free agents left that could do a job.

Many fans and pundits say that Middlesbrough have one of the strongest squads in the Championship with like for like replacements for everyone in the team, but that doesn't mean that some more additions wouldn't be helpful.

They don't seem to need defensive reinforcements as they have one of the best back lines in the Championship but some have questioned their creativity in the final third.

Here are FIVE free agents that Middlesbrough should consider signing......

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIVE FREE AGENTS!

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Kevin Nolan

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He might not be the most popular of choices due to his links with north east neighbours Newcastle, but Nolan has the pedigree in the top two divisions to come and do a job for Boro.

The Scouser would be a good addition as he would provide extra competition in the holding midfield, and central attacking midfield roles and brings plenty of experience along with him.

McDonald Mariga

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The brother of Southampton's Victor Wanyama, McDonald Mariga is another who could come in and add some competition in the holding midfield roles in Aitor Karanka's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

He has some pedigree as well, featuring for some big clubs such as Parma, Inter Milan and Real Sociedad and at 28, he has 40 caps for Kenya.

Gai Assulin

Gai Assulin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not many will know a lot about Gai Assulin but he spent five years of his earlier career with Barcelona and Manchester City, however he has never realised his potential.

At 24, he still has time to make a name for himself and has shown glimpses of his ability for Racing Santander and Hercules in Spain.

He can play anywhere across the three attacking midfield roles and could be a useful addition for Aitor Karanka.

Urby Emanuelson

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Another player who hasn't realised his potential after being highly-rated as a youngster with Dutch giants Ajax.

As well as Ajax, he has played for AC Milan, Fulham and Roma before an uneventful spell with Atalanta.

Capable of playing at left-back or on the left-wing, he could add some competition for places down the left and while he's unlikely to dislodge George Friend, he could establish himself on the left wing.

Zafer Yelen

Probably the most unknown player on this list, Yelen is comfortable in the number 10 role or as a winger on either side so he is another player who would add versatility to Aitor Karanka's side.

He has played at the top levels in Germany and Turkey and won 12 caps for Turkey's under-21 side, scoring three goals while he is still looking for his first full cap.